|
|
Worcester County School News
Worcester schools facing $1.2 million budget shortfall
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Even without further direction from the Worcester County Commissioners to slice its fiscal year 2010-2011 spending plan, the Board of Education is struggling to close a $1.2 million funding gap as part of its budget process.
Vince Tolbert, chief financial officer, at a January meeting told school board members that if additional FY 11 revenues are not provided, it will be necessary to identify additional cuts of $1.2 million to comply with a maintenance of effort budget.
The Maintenance of Effort law states a local government must provide at least as much funding per student for the upcoming fiscal year as it has appropriated in the current year. Failure to comply with this law could result in a school system’s loss of state aid. Adopting an operating budget that falls below the Maintenance of Effort could put at risk state aid.
Tolbert said that the current Board of Education operating budget is $89.35 million. That money funds the day-to-day operations of the school system. County appropriations account for $72.34 million or approximately 81 percent of the current operating budget.
Published: February 07, 2010
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Snow Hill Middle School picks up Blue Ribbon honor
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Snow Hill Middle School has been named the eighth Maryland Blue Ribbon school in Worcester County.
“We are very proud of Snow Hill Middle School,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes.
“As a rural community school system, we understand that this level of success cannot happen without the ongoing support and tireless efforts of all stakeholders. We are deeply grateful to our teachers, school administrators, support staff, students, parents, County Commissioners, and community. This is not only a school recognition; this is a community recognition – a celebration of combined efforts.”
At the State Board of Education’s meeting on Dec. 15 at the Maryland State Department of Education, five other Maryland schools were inducted into the prestigious ranks of carrying the Maryland Blue Ribbon School designation.
Published: December 23, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Worcester Board of Education sets FY 2010-11 budget goals
Rota L. Knott
Editor
As part of its annual budget development process, the Worcester County Board of Education on Dec. 15 discussed and approved a series of budget development goals. The goals will be used to guide the board members and staff in developing the 2010-2011 school operating budget.
The goals are to maintain small class sizes and recruit, hire and retain highly qualified teachers and staff. Another goal is to provide and maintain educational services to support students and staff and to provide and maintain student access to the latest technology.
Published: December 23, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Stephen Decatur receives sportsmanship award
Rota L. Knott
Editor
For the second year in a row, Stephen Decatur High School has received the Bayside South Conference Sportsmanship Award.
The announcement of the award was made by Principal Louis Taylor during Decatur’s Homecoming Sports Day, providing an apropos atmosphere during the presentation and adding to the festivities of the day. Taylor congratulated and commended the coaches, the athletes, and the spectators for “achieving such a prestigious distinction.”
Published: December 13, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Colleges weigh transcript higher than class rank in admissions
Rota L. Knott
Editor
The designation of valedictorian or salutatorian has no bearing on the admissions process, according to 20 of the 32 colleges and universities surveyed by Worcester County Public Schools’ Class Rank Committee. Instead, a student’s Grade Point Average and selection of courses with rigor were the primary factors considered by college admissions offices, based on survey results.
The student transcript was found to be the top consideration for college admissions, according to the colleges surveyed by the committee. The committee concluded that the significance of class rank and the valedictorian/salutatorian designations was one of perception, rather than an actuality, according to Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Richard Walker.
Published: December 13, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
School board learns about wind turbine project
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Students at one Worcester County school have created wind turbine as part of the curriculum, members of the Board of Education learned on Nov. 17.
Teachers Doug Romano and Patrick Lieb discussed the scope and purpose of the wind turbine units that were installed at Stephen Decatur Middle School and how it is being used to educate students.
Published: November 28, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
School board learns about wind turbine project
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Students at one Worcester County school have created wind turbine as part of the curriculum, members of the Board of Education learned on Nov. 17.
Teachers Doug Romano and Patrick Lieb discussed the scope and purpose of the wind turbine units that were installed at Stephen Decatur Middle School and how it is being used to educate students.
Published: November 28, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Completion of Pocomoke High School remains top priority
Rota L. Knott
Editor
The Board of Education is not requesting any additional funding for school construction in Worcester County as part of its long-term planning process.
“Completion of the Pocomoke High School renovations and additions will remain our school construction priority next year” Jon Andes, superintendent of schools, said in a presentation to the Worcester County Commissioners in November.
School syste
Published: November 28, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Worcester school system begins review of class rank system
Rota L. Knott
Editor
A committee appointed to study and make recommendations for changes to Worcester County Public Schools system for class rankings of students has started the process of trying to determine whether or not the existing system is fair.
The school system’s Class Rank and Senior Recognition Committee held its first meeting on Oct. 7. Comprised of parents, students, teachers, guidance counselors, a Board of Education member, and administrators, the 27-member committee is charged with reviewing the school system’s long-standing class rank system to determine if it continues to ensure equity for all students, given the current coursework options.
Published: November 13, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
Board of Ed learns about unique programs in county schools
Rota L. Knott
Editor
Several unique educational programs that are in place in Worcester County public schools, including one designed to help students pass standardized tests and another that promotes interest in technology, were reviewed on Oct. 20 by the Board of Education of Worcester County.
Lou Taylor, principal, and teacher Julie Sigafoos and Cindy Walter reviewed the Bridge Plan A.V. class that is held at Stephen Decatur High School. The bridge plan class provides seniors who have taken the High School Assessment at least twice and failed, an opportunity to complete bridge plan projects to earn a diploma.
Published: October 30, 2009
Want more of the story? Download newspaper to read all the news |
|
|